The New Leaves are a contemporary folk group from County Down, Northern Ireland, whose music is deeply rooted in place, memory and friendship. Made up of four childhood friends, the band emerged from the post-pandemic landscape with a shared desire to bring a growing collection of songs to life, creating music that celebrates the natural beauty, history and mythology of the place they call home.

Drawing inspiration from the Mourne Mountains, Carlingford Lough and the rich tapestry of stories woven through South Down, The New Leaves blend lush three-part harmonies, thoughtful songwriting and modern folk arrangements to create a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary. Their songs are often personal and reflective, yet universal in their themes of belonging, identity, landscape and connection.

At the heart of the band's music is the songwriting of McKay, whose compositions seek to capture the spirit of the places and people that have shaped his life. The band's debut single, Donaghaguy Reservoir, released on 29 March 2024, is a heartfelt tribute to a quiet place of reflection on the outskirts of Warrenpoint, offering an early glimpse into the band's distinctive approach to storytelling through song.

Their debut album, A Sketch of Home, released on 7 June 2024, serves as both a love letter to County Down and a meditation on what it means to belong somewhere. Rich in imagery, melody and atmosphere, the album invites listeners into a world where local landscapes become characters, folklore lives alongside everyday life, and ordinary moments take on deeper significance.

Despite the depth and sincerity of their music, The New Leaves are far from self-important. Known for their dry wit, easy-going charm and playful stage banter, the band bring warmth and humour to every performance. Their chemistry as lifelong friends shines through on stage, creating an atmosphere that is as welcoming as it is musically engaging.

The New Leaves are storytellers, musicians and lifelong friends whose songs celebrate the places that shape us and the connections that endure long after childhood has passed.